Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Saturday joined a host of prominent Nigerian political leaders, including ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, at the 70th birthday celebration of former Bauchi State Governor and ex-National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Adamu Muazu.
The event, held to mark the milestone age of one of Nigeria’s seasoned political figures, brought together a diverse mix of political heavyweights and statesmen, including former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai and the National Leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso. Other distinguished guests also attended, making it a symbolic moment of cross-party unity and reflection on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Atiku, who served as Nigeria’s Vice President from 1999 to 2007 under the leadership of Obasanjo, used the occasion to reminisce about his working relationship with Muazu during the formative years of Nigeria’s Fourth Republic.
In a message shared via his official X account (formerly Twitter), Atiku celebrated Muazu’s contributions to governance and national development, particularly in laying the groundwork for private sector-led economic reforms.
“Yesterday, I joined my boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon, and Vice President Kashim Shettima, along with many other prominent Nigerian leaders, in paying tribute to Alhaji Ahmadu Adamu Muazu, former governor of Bauchi State and one-time National Chairman of the PDP, who turned 70,” Atiku posted.
He further recalled, “As Vice President of Nigeria between 1999 and 2007, I worked with Mu’azu and other governors who served within that period to lay the foundation for good governance and a private sector-led economic growth for Nigeria.”
The gathering was notable not only for the range of dignitaries present but also for the air of nostalgia and bipartisan respect that marked the celebration. Despite ideological and political differences, the dignitaries demonstrated a collective acknowledgment of Muazu’s role in national politics and public service.
Atiku concluded his remarks by extending warm wishes to the celebrant, saying, “I used the occasion to congratulate Mu’azu and wish him many more years in good health and vitality.”
The event served as a convergence of past and present leadership figures—an uncommon moment of public solidarity in a country often defined by political division. It underscored the enduring influence of Muazu in Nigeria’s political evolution, from his governorship tenure in Bauchi to his pivotal role at the helm of the PDP.
What you should know
Adamu Muazu, the former governor of Bauchi State and ex-PDP National Chairman, turned 70 and was celebrated by top Nigerian leaders including Atiku Abubakar, Obasanjo, Gowon, Shettima, El-Rufai, and Kwankwaso. Atiku praised Muazu’s contributions to democratic governance and economic reform during their tenure in office.
